VHA Signs MOU with Bell Helicopter for Composite 412/212 Tail Rotor Blades

Van Horn Aviation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. concerning 412/212 rotor blades. Under the MOU, VHA will design, certify and manufacture composite tail rotor blades to supply the Bell 412/212 product lines. The VHA 412/212 tail rotor blades will also be available for purchase by current operators through Aeronautical Accessories, a Bell Helicopter brand.

“Our 412/212 tail rotor blades will share many of the same qualities of our proven 206 tail rotor blades, including a robust composite design and efficient airfoil,” said VHA president James Van Horn. “We have already completed the design and manufacture of the prototype blade and will be flight testing this summer.”

The certification process will require a bird strike test, which will be conducted prior to flight testing. VHA plans to conduct bird strike and initial flight tests during summer 2013.